The Alligator in Naomi’s Pillow is an engaging story about a little girl struggling to overcome her fears. The text and the delightful illustrations are infused with humour and allow an easy rapport with Naomi and her nightly situation. Naomi’s parents gently allow her to explore her fear in a supportive way that is neither sentimental nor harshly dismissive. What can be seen as a troubling and upsetting event (for both parents and child) is sensitively and realistically dealt with by the author’s deft and light hand.

David Giuliano is an award-winning writer of articles, essays, and poems. His book Postcards from the Valley: Encounters with Fear, Faith and God was a Canadian Best Seller. He has published two illustrated children's books: The Alligator in Naomi's Pillow and Jeremiah and the Letter e. His most recent book, It's Good to Be Here: Stories we tell about cancer, is a spiritual memoir about his 20-year journey with cancer. The Undertaking of Billy Buffone is Giuliano's first novel. He lives in Marathon, Ontario with his wife.

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Move over, Robert Munsch! David Guiliano has given us a lovely, funny story about a very big subject - dealing with fear. Marlene McBrien's illustrations are a delight. The questions to help parents are a decided bonus. Bravo!

Carolyn Pogue, Author of After the Beginning

One of David Giuliano’s great gifts is his capacity to disarm fear with laughter. In this witty and psychologically astute story he introduces us to Naomi, a very lucky girl whose parents take her anxieties seriously. Even when she wakes them up. In the middle of the night. Several times.

When Naomi finally manages to talk to the alligator that has taken up residence in her pillow, we all learn that liberating our secret terrors – whatever they be – from the silent dark stops them from biting us. They may even become friendly. And everyone will get a good night’s sleep.

This is a good story for its own sake, but especially valuable when a child is tense or worried. Marlene McBrien’s charming, unpretentious illustrations are well-matched to Giuliano’s similarly light-hearted but profound narrative.

Donna Sinclair, Author of The Spirituality of Bread